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Dear Friend,
This past week, we gathered virtually to listen, learn and reflect on the important subject of racism in our country. The Greater Miami Jewish Federation hosted “Together, In Common Cause: A Dialogue About Race | A Time for Understanding | A Time for Action,” with 300 participants signing on. We are grateful to the extraordinary people who comprised our panel of experts and we all learned from their thoughtful insights and candid perspectives.
Today marks Juneteenth, the oldest annual celebration honoring the ending of slavery in the United States in 1865. It gives us a moment to pause and reflect on what is going on in the world and how far we’ve come, along with how far we’ve yet to go. The Miami Jewish community has historically shared a kinship with the Black community and we are heartened by our ongoing collaboration on issues of common concern. Our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) builds bridges between and among faiths and ethnic, political and civic groups. We know we are strongest when we work in partnership, and that together, we must jointly address the deeply entrenched prejudices in our world. Please take some time to review this JCRC Resource Guide distributed during our virtual gathering and share it with your friends and family. Most important, however, each of us must take action. There is no neutrality in moments like these. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, “Few are guilty, but all are responsible.”
At the onset of the coronavirus crisis, our three JCCs were forced to close their physical facilities in the interest of public health. At that time, Federation stepped in to provide them with $1.25 million in emergency funding. This cash infusion allowed them to retain staff as much as possible and quickly reopen to serve the community, especially at a time when children and parents are so in need of programs. One of the most important services provided by the JCCs is summer camp. In the past two weeks, more than 500 children have participated in summer camps and the JCCs are following extensive COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures as per CDC guidelines. We are pleased that these children will be able to enjoy camaraderie and social interaction in a Jewish setting, and to do so in a safe and healthy environment. We pray that this will be the start of a gradual – and careful – return to normal for the Centers and the families they serve.
Yesterday, the Federation headquarters on Biscayne Boulevard served as host site for a kosher food drive-thru distribution event with the JCS Kosher Food Bank and Feeding South Florida. We want to take a moment to thank and acknowledge the many people who volunteered to assemble, pack and load kosher food packages for those who came to our facility. In the end, 500 food packages were prepared; about 300 cars came through the Federation parking lot and in excess of 1,000 individuals were served. We know so many in our community are hurting and are in need during this difficult time. We will continue to work with our primary human service partner JCS to ensure we address food insufficiency in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember, if you or someone you know is facing difficulties, please visit JewishMiami.org/covid19 or call our confidential helpline operated by JCS at 305.576.6550 for guidance. Calls are answered 24/7 every day of the year.
As we see the number of coronavirus cases in Florida dramatically increasing once again, we take this opportunity to remind you to please continue to take all the proper precautions to heart: wear a mask, wash your hands and stay six feet apart. We wish a refu’ah sh’lemah to all those people affected by COVID-19 and other illnesses and pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones.
Shabbat Shalom,
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Jeffrey Scheck
Chair of the Board |
Jacob Solomon
President & Chief
Executive Officer | |
© Greater Miami Jewish Federation
